Supreme Leader ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday asked the commanders of Iran’s navy to increase “power and readiness” so that “enemies will not dare to threaten the Iranian nation”.
November 27 marks “Navy Day” in Iran and Khamenei met with commanders, according to his website. Iran's has two navies; the navy attached to the army and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy.
He told his audience that more readiness of the armed forces “can deter the enemies and intimidate them”. But he also added, “The Islamic Republic has no intention to start war with anyone”.
SEE ALSO: Khamenei Shows Toughness In Persian Gulf Under New CommanderSpeaking about the “formation of an expansive front made up of enemies and rivals”, facing the Islamic Republic, Khamenei said it is vital to double and re-double efforts in all fields, including the military, to compensate for shortcomings.
As president Donald Trump has adopted a tough line on Iran and reimposed sanctions, Khamenei in recent months has repeatedly urged the military to increase power and readiness.
Iranian officials have also threatened to close the Straits of Hormuz to oil tankers, if Iran’s oil exports are fully banned as a result of U.S. sanctions.
The U.S. navy chief, Admiral John Richardson speaking about possible Iranian threats in the Persian Gulf, told VOA in August, "If we need to become more forceful, well, we're at a position to respond and do that".
Infographic: Strait Of Hormuz Shipping Lanes